This blog is written by guest writer, Katie Bruno.

As a young professional woman, I am involved in a number of groups and organizations in my community from serving on boards and committees of non-profits to organizing community service projects for my young professional group to teaching financial literacy classes. Being involved in the community is important to me both personally and professionally. I find that giving back helps to teach us understanding and compassion for others and for me, it’s extremely rewarding.

One of my personal favorites that I believe has one of the greatest impacts on the community is 100 Women Who Care. We are a giving circle. Our growing group is local Omaha women who pool our resources to make a collective donation to a charity that we choose as a group.

This article is the first in a new series. SHARE Omaha is pleased to collaborate with Western Iowa Development Association (WIDA) to feature rural Iowans who are doing good. Learn more about WIDA.

Though it’s a short acronym, CASA volunteers play a significant role in the lives of many in Southwest Iowa. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) do the unseen work to ensure the best interests of vulnerable youth in our community, work that deserves to be recognized.

The Southwest Iowa CASA Program recruits community volunteers to serve as a voice in court for abused and neglected children, to secure a safe, permanent and nurturing home for all. One of these dedicated volunteers is Sheila Lewis of Treynor, Iowa.

The Lifting Up Do-Gooders column, written by SHARE Omaha executive director Marjorie Maas, runs bi-monthly in metroMAGAZINE. See the original publication of this article here on page 38.

Who is a Do-Gooder? 

Either you are one, or you know a few. SHARE Omaha defines do-gooders as those who see a need and do good for others or the community; those who raise their hands to help when a crisis or challenge arises around them; those who regularly prioritize this good work, even in the light of personal sacrifice.
SHARE Omaha tells stories of volunteers, donors and general do-gooders regularly on our blog at SHAREomaha.org, and with this column we seek to act as a megaphone for those making our community and metro area better. These do-gooders could be individuals, businesses, families or nonprofit organizations.

One of our favorite things is to hear from community volunteers about their experiences. Often, these Do-Gooders are using SHARE Omaha as a tool to find their fit and connect to a new way to give back. Most feel that spark of fulfillment, from simply doing a little good, and can’t help but share.

Here are a few snippets we’ve heard lately:



“I thoroughly enjoyed my time yesterday volunteering at Roberta and Bob Rodgers Gallery. I organized a drawer full of typeface while listening to Audible.” -Tricia

SEE CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT ROBERTA AND BOB RODGERS GALLERY

Many hands make quick work! During KETV’s Giving Wednesday, SHARE Omaha put out a notice that DIBS for Kids needed help labeling and stuffing thousands of reading folders for the next school year. Within just hours, dozens of volunteers said ‘count me in’ and the need was filled.

DIBS (Deliver Infinite Book Shelves) for Kids is a children’s literacy program that offers innovative lending technology to little classroom libraries, serving 13 elementary schools and over 3,000 children. Each year, thousands of reading folders with parent letters and book logs are needed, requiring DIBS for Kids staff to spend precious hours assembling folders.